For the homeless in our community, there is no safe shelter during a monsoon. In mere moments, their dwelling and everything they own can be swept away. For many, it can become deadly. 

When I joined Gospel Rescue Mission in 1986 as a member of the Board of Directors, I never could have imagined what God had in store – for me and for the lives we would serve.

I stand amazed of the progress we have made over these past 33 years. I wish I had the space to share the sheer number of life-transforming stories I’ve seen unfold before my eyes. The program growth, quality and scope of services, successful outcomes of our recovery program graduates, tremendous volunteer program, and 3 new facilities has been extraordinary. I am extremely thankful that God has led me on this incredible journey.

The Executive Director position is very demanding. Being in my mid-60’s I need to slow down a bit and have more time to spend with my grandchildren. My wife and I help my son and his wife a lot with their two and a half year old daughter who has Cerebral Palsy. With the opening of the new Center of Opportunity, and the 20 years of being at the helm, I felt it was the perfect time to pass the torch.

But this isn’t goodbye for me! Far from it! I will continue to serve at Gospel Rescue Mission in Donor & Church Engagement, for the next several years – because this place is truly where my heart is. I look forward to personally meeting with donors and churches to say thank you for faithfully supporting this ministry…something I haven’t had much time to do serving as the Executive Director. Feel free to email me to come visit or take a tour of the new center.

So, who better to pass the torch to than Lisa Chastain – the granddaughter of Ray Chastain, the original founder of Gospel Rescue Mission!

Lisa has committed the last 20 years to serve the least, the last, and the lost. Before joining the GRM staff, she ran the citywide event “Hope Fest” for the past 12 years that has provided help to thousands. This is a clear indication of her heart for the homeless and hurting working poor neighbors. For the past two years, we’ve worked side by side as co-executive directors and I’ve been incredibly impressed with her determination, her creativity, her heart for the hurting, and her dedication to seeing lives transformed. Now, with the opening of the Center of Opportunity, the time has come for Lisa to fully take the reins. God could not have chosen a better fit!

Thank you for your investment in this vital work over the years. Don’t stop! We need you more than ever as we embark on this incredible opportunity that God has given us to change the face of homelessness in Tucson, both at the Center of Opportunity and the Women’s Recovery Center on Miracle Mile. On behalf of the men, women, and children we serve, God bless you for making this possible.

In His Service,
Pastor Roy E. Tullgren III,
Executive Director

P.S. Please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]. I would love to have the opportunity to continue to fellowship and I am truly blessed by all the relationships I have been able to have because of my work with Gospel Rescue Mission for the past several decades. I am excited to continue to passionately share our vision for Tucson. Blessings